Hi all. I'm considering splurging on a mechanical keyboard. Can anyone recommend the best available models that are sub-$100? I will use it for both gaming and productivity work and my preference would be for Cherry Brown switches or something similar.
I really dislike Corsair mechanical keyboards due to their nonstandard key layout on the bottom row, where they make the Ctrl and Alt keys larger, and the Windows and Command/Function keys smaller. I do like purchasing novelty keycap sets to replace the default keycaps after some time to get new look, and often enough the stock keycaps included are made with incredibly brittle keycaps that just break after time.
It has a standard keycap layout, authentic Cherry MX Brown switches, moves extra functionality to its own dedicated keys (rather than a function key + another key shenanigans that many keyboards like to do), inoffensive logos/branding (just that simple Logitech G logo for their gaming products at the top left), keyboard macros (if you're into that) by remapping seldomly used F-keys during games, a high key rollover via USB, etc.
My second choice would be the Rosewill RK-9000V2 BR, again due to the simpler look, but it's also the cheapest option that does use authentic Cherry MX Brown switches. It also doesn't have that bulky multi-cable thing that the Rosewill Apollo has, which introduces an awfully positioned USB, mic, and headphone hub at the cost of a much thicker cable that plugs into multiple ports on the PC.
"I really dislike Corsair mechanical keyboards due to their nonstandard key layout on the bottom row, where they make the Ctrl and Alt keys larger, and the Windows and Command/Function keys smaller."
I'll agree that it's not the ANSI standard layout, but since Razer and CM Storm also use the same layout (CM Storm only on some products) one could argue that it's a de facto standard. De facto standards of course depend on adoption, but Corsair and Razer are pretty much 2/3 of the reason mechanical keyboards are available at mainstream retailers.
That said of course I am disappointed as a K95 RGB owner that most keysets are unavailable to me, but then again from what I've seen most are anyways because I like my backlighting and want to keep it useful. Replacement keysets with properly backlight-compatible translucent legends on opaque (or at least much darker) keys are all but nonexistent. The majority of "backlight compatible" sets are fully translucent or even transparent keys. This can look good in some cases but it a lot less useful at providing a readable legend in a darkened environment.
tl;dr: It's sort of a standard, but it does suck that it limits aftermarket options, but the aftermarket really doesn't cater to backlit keyboards anyways so meh.
1) It's not a defacto standard. ANSI is a standard. ISO is a standard. Corsair's layout is a more "gamer-friendly" standard that shrinks windows keys to make it less likely for users to press the Windows key during games (which often minimizes the game and brings up the Windows home menu), and makes the Ctrl and Alt keys bigger, which are common keys that are bound to actions in-game. However, by doing this (instead of opting for a a switch on the board that can toggle whether to register Windows key presses or not), the keyboard is automatically not compatible with the vast majority of ANSI compatible Cherry MX stem keyboards. (Note, there are other ANSI keyboards that don't use Cherry MX switches, but have Cherry MX stems for use with standard ANSI layout Cherry MX stem keycap sets, such as the CoolerMaster Nova Touch).
2) Backlit compatible keycap sets do exist, but are indeed rarer than non backlit compatible keycap sets. However, backlit compatible keycap sets regularly are available on Massdrop every few weeks, and there's actually a drop right now for such a set: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/backlit-doubleshot-pb... That being said, from an ergonomics standpoint, I do vastly prefer to have an overhead lamp lighting my work area at night. Additionally, I've learned to touch type years ago and I actually prefer to have keycap sets without legends. I've found that legends add another layer of potential failure for keycaps, as pad printing wears off, doubleshot keycaps are (uncommonly) brittle when they use a brittle plastic for the legend, etc. Solid color keycaps never change except for the texture over time, which will smoothen out over time.
You won't actually learn to fully touch-type until you give up legends or to stop ever looking at the keyboard.
I have a Rosewill one with brown keys. Build quality was fine except the connector wasn't held down by much more than solder so that's a potential weak point.
I bought that 3 years ago, so not sure if they changed it up since then.
Ooops...I should have checked Google first. Anandtech already has reviews of these. Mr. Fylladitakis, may I ask which are your favorite keyboards at the moment?
You may ask, but my answer would not be helpful to you. The keyboard is a device that needs to meet someone's specific needs and my personal needs are unlikely to be the same as yours. Aesthetics aside, you need to ascertain whether you want a) lighting, b) per-key programmability and c) extra macro keys, volume control knobs, etc.
That being said, the Corsair K70 Rapidfire is for sale in Amazon for $110 right now and I would find it difficult to recommend something else for that price. If $100 is strictly your budget, then I would probably suggest the $90 Cougar 600K, it is a very solid model for the money and comes with a fairly good software package. However, if you do not need either lighting or programmable keys, you would most likely be happy with a $60 Nixeus Moda Pro, but the white color just isn't for everyone, or even a 10keyless CM Quickfire Rapid.
I got the Thermaltake Meka G1 a few years ago and I still love it. Cherry MX Black keys with red LED backlighting. It was $89 on sale when I got it, but I don't know if they still make it. https://amzn.com/B00CYAQKGM
If you have a microcenter near you, they have most mechanical keyboards in most switch configurations on demo! It's really a buy based on comfort decision. A cheap mechanical keyboard just isn't worth it after you consider you will have this keyboard for probably 10 years. I've had my das keyboard for 7 and all I've ever done is clean it by removing all the caps with a key puller and soaking them in soap overnight. I added red orings to further quiet down the brown switches from bottoming out "clank" so my partner isn't woken up late at night by the hammer.
As far as the best mechanical keyboard under $100? Well, corsair, cooler master and many others have them in the $60 range with cherry switches. It's a gamble to go lower because you won't get genuine switches, which in all reality might be adequate, but again, why take the risk? Remember, you will have this thing for s decade just make sure you get genuine switches and a decently weighted keyboard.
I have the Cooler Master Storm Rapid for lan party's, also with brown switches. It was $60. But it's a compact without a number pad, which honestly sucks for general use. For a LAN party it's fine, but even simple things like entering a login pin are undesirable without a numeric pad.
So basically spend the extra $10 and get the full 104 keys. Maybe even spend another $10 for the TK model with backlit keys. Your still under $100.
Do you plan to use anything but Windows? Because if you ever venture over into Linux, you lose major functionality on most keyboards. They are dependent on a Windows-specific utility for settings and optimization. Exceptions are the CODE keyboard and anything from Ducky.
Cooler Master QuickFire is what I'd recommend. Not so much bling, just the essentials. They come in three size variations, I think. Full size, ten key-less and ten key (where the arrow key section is removed/integrated into the ten key section). The backlight LED's doesn't do many fancy things except for bringing light. And they're the colour of the Cherry MX type in the keyboard, though the ones with brown switches had white LED's. The build quality is pretty flawless, I think. A thick metal plate inside makes the keyboard sturdy as a rock and gives you a distinct feedback on key presses.
RGB...Rainbow Dash fans everywhere are probably getting excited to see another keyboard that can make playing computer games in dark, lonely apartment living rooms more comforting.
That's ridiculous. You can add a custom wrist pad to any keyboard, even mechanical ones (which require a thicker pad because of their additional height. Graffiti makes some really nice ones in different materials and surfaces, and you can even buy wood wrist rests made in Japan.
Hi Fylladitakis, Can you suggest a Ten key less (87) Wireless Keyboard (Ideally Mechanical). I tried searching but couldn't find any. There are full keyboards available but not TKL. I found few which say TKL wireless but they are basically HTPC keyboards (without independent Home/End/PgUp/PgDn keys). Thanks...
Awesome, Thanks a lot, this is exactly what I am looking for. One more question, I don't play games and primarily looking for Development work (and ideally should be silent so not to disturb others). So, Cherry Mx Brown would be ideal right or do you think other switches serve me better?
It's hard to say, everyone ends up having different tastes.
Browns are the classic non-clicky mech switch, but Cherry Clears are getting pretty popular. They take a little more force and some people prefer the feel because of that. (Gateron has clears also, but they are more like Cherry Red.)
Non clicky keys are still quite loud compared to rubber dome and scissor switch keyboards. The key mechanism still makes noise and sound resonating through the (usually) steel plate can still bother people. Especially if the keys are pushed all the way down and bottom out. Rubber o-rings can help w/ noise from bottoming out.
Geekhack, deskthority and the mechanical keyboard subreddit are good sources if you want to do more research.
I'm typing on Das Keyboard Ultimate ten-keyless, but I'd also wholeheartedly recommend CM QuickFire Rapid and Rosewill's mechanical lines for those on the budget.
I'm still waiting on a mechanical keybaord that has a builtin wrist-rest! Where's the love for couch players? ...I swear, I've been researching for 2 weeks, looked at ALL the modern mechanical keyboards, and NOTHING!!!
Give me a builtin wrist-rest, and that is also a low profile, with quiet keys, and I'll buy infinity of them!
You're best bet would probably be to get something like Corsair's lapdog or some other couch-ready keyboard accessory. Couch-ready mechanical keyboards are such a niche market, that it seems to be limited to bolt-on keyboard accessories.
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27 Comments
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Stochastic - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Hi all. I'm considering splurging on a mechanical keyboard. Can anyone recommend the best available models that are sub-$100? I will use it for both gaming and productivity work and my preference would be for Cherry Brown switches or something similar.Stochastic - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
My top considerations at the moment are the Corsair Strafe and the Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard. Have any of you used these keyboards? Thanks.JoeyJoJo123 - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
I really dislike Corsair mechanical keyboards due to their nonstandard key layout on the bottom row, where they make the Ctrl and Alt keys larger, and the Windows and Command/Function keys smaller. I do like purchasing novelty keycap sets to replace the default keycaps after some time to get new look, and often enough the stock keycaps included are made with incredibly brittle keycaps that just break after time.These are your options on the market right now:
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/keyboard/#k=1&am...
I do prefer the Logitech G610, personally.
It has a standard keycap layout, authentic Cherry MX Brown switches, moves extra functionality to its own dedicated keys (rather than a function key + another key shenanigans that many keyboards like to do), inoffensive logos/branding (just that simple Logitech G logo for their gaming products at the top left), keyboard macros (if you're into that) by remapping seldomly used F-keys during games, a high key rollover via USB, etc.
My second choice would be the Rosewill RK-9000V2 BR, again due to the simpler look, but it's also the cheapest option that does use authentic Cherry MX Brown switches. It also doesn't have that bulky multi-cable thing that the Rosewill Apollo has, which introduces an awfully positioned USB, mic, and headphone hub at the cost of a much thicker cable that plugs into multiple ports on the PC.
wolrah - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
"I really dislike Corsair mechanical keyboards due to their nonstandard key layout on the bottom row, where they make the Ctrl and Alt keys larger, and the Windows and Command/Function keys smaller."I'll agree that it's not the ANSI standard layout, but since Razer and CM Storm also use the same layout (CM Storm only on some products) one could argue that it's a de facto standard. De facto standards of course depend on adoption, but Corsair and Razer are pretty much 2/3 of the reason mechanical keyboards are available at mainstream retailers.
That said of course I am disappointed as a K95 RGB owner that most keysets are unavailable to me, but then again from what I've seen most are anyways because I like my backlighting and want to keep it useful. Replacement keysets with properly backlight-compatible translucent legends on opaque (or at least much darker) keys are all but nonexistent. The majority of "backlight compatible" sets are fully translucent or even transparent keys. This can look good in some cases but it a lot less useful at providing a readable legend in a darkened environment.
tl;dr: It's sort of a standard, but it does suck that it limits aftermarket options, but the aftermarket really doesn't cater to backlit keyboards anyways so meh.
JoeyJoJo123 - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
1) It's not a defacto standard. ANSI is a standard. ISO is a standard. Corsair's layout is a more "gamer-friendly" standard that shrinks windows keys to make it less likely for users to press the Windows key during games (which often minimizes the game and brings up the Windows home menu), and makes the Ctrl and Alt keys bigger, which are common keys that are bound to actions in-game. However, by doing this (instead of opting for a a switch on the board that can toggle whether to register Windows key presses or not), the keyboard is automatically not compatible with the vast majority of ANSI compatible Cherry MX stem keyboards. (Note, there are other ANSI keyboards that don't use Cherry MX switches, but have Cherry MX stems for use with standard ANSI layout Cherry MX stem keycap sets, such as the CoolerMaster Nova Touch).2) Backlit compatible keycap sets do exist, but are indeed rarer than non backlit compatible keycap sets. However, backlit compatible keycap sets regularly are available on Massdrop every few weeks, and there's actually a drop right now for such a set: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/backlit-doubleshot-pb... That being said, from an ergonomics standpoint, I do vastly prefer to have an overhead lamp lighting my work area at night. Additionally, I've learned to touch type years ago and I actually prefer to have keycap sets without legends. I've found that legends add another layer of potential failure for keycaps, as pad printing wears off, doubleshot keycaps are (uncommonly) brittle when they use a brittle plastic for the legend, etc. Solid color keycaps never change except for the texture over time, which will smoothen out over time.
You won't actually learn to fully touch-type until you give up legends or to stop ever looking at the keyboard.
tarqsharq - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
I have a Rosewill one with brown keys. Build quality was fine except the connector wasn't held down by much more than solder so that's a potential weak point.I bought that 3 years ago, so not sure if they changed it up since then.
Stochastic - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Ooops...I should have checked Google first. Anandtech already has reviews of these. Mr. Fylladitakis, may I ask which are your favorite keyboards at the moment?E.Fyll - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
You may ask, but my answer would not be helpful to you. The keyboard is a device that needs to meet someone's specific needs and my personal needs are unlikely to be the same as yours. Aesthetics aside, you need to ascertain whether you want a) lighting, b) per-key programmability and c) extra macro keys, volume control knobs, etc.That being said, the Corsair K70 Rapidfire is for sale in Amazon for $110 right now and I would find it difficult to recommend something else for that price. If $100 is strictly your budget, then I would probably suggest the $90 Cougar 600K, it is a very solid model for the money and comes with a fairly good software package. However, if you do not need either lighting or programmable keys, you would most likely be happy with a $60 Nixeus Moda Pro, but the white color just isn't for everyone, or even a 10keyless CM Quickfire Rapid.
nathanddrews - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
I got the Thermaltake Meka G1 a few years ago and I still love it. Cherry MX Black keys with red LED backlighting. It was $89 on sale when I got it, but I don't know if they still make it.https://amzn.com/B00CYAQKGM
NeonFlak - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
I've got around 17 different mechanical keyboards. This is the one I find myself always going back too and I couldn't tell you why.https://www.amazon.com/Coolermaster-SGK-4000-GKCL1...
NeonFlak - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Specifically with Red switches.Samus - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
If you have a microcenter near you, they have most mechanical keyboards in most switch configurations on demo! It's really a buy based on comfort decision. A cheap mechanical keyboard just isn't worth it after you consider you will have this keyboard for probably 10 years. I've had my das keyboard for 7 and all I've ever done is clean it by removing all the caps with a key puller and soaking them in soap overnight. I added red orings to further quiet down the brown switches from bottoming out "clank" so my partner isn't woken up late at night by the hammer.As far as the best mechanical keyboard under $100? Well, corsair, cooler master and many others have them in the $60 range with cherry switches. It's a gamble to go lower because you won't get genuine switches, which in all reality might be adequate, but again, why take the risk? Remember, you will have this thing for s decade just make sure you get genuine switches and a decently weighted keyboard.
I have the Cooler Master Storm Rapid for lan party's, also with brown switches. It was $60. But it's a compact without a number pad, which honestly sucks for general use. For a LAN party it's fine, but even simple things like entering a login pin are undesirable without a numeric pad.
So basically spend the extra $10 and get the full 104 keys. Maybe even spend another $10 for the TK model with backlit keys. Your still under $100.
pjcamp - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
Do you plan to use anything but Windows? Because if you ever venture over into Linux, you lose major functionality on most keyboards. They are dependent on a Windows-specific utility for settings and optimization. Exceptions are the CODE keyboard and anything from Ducky.theduckofdeath - Thursday, August 25, 2016 - link
Cooler Master QuickFire is what I'd recommend. Not so much bling, just the essentials.They come in three size variations, I think. Full size, ten key-less and ten key (where the arrow key section is removed/integrated into the ten key section).
The backlight LED's doesn't do many fancy things except for bringing light. And they're the colour of the Cherry MX type in the keyboard, though the ones with brown switches had white LED's.
The build quality is pretty flawless, I think. A thick metal plate inside makes the keyboard sturdy as a rock and gives you a distinct feedback on key presses.
BrokenCrayons - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
RGB...Rainbow Dash fans everywhere are probably getting excited to see another keyboard that can make playing computer games in dark, lonely apartment living rooms more comforting.AcidSnow - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
If the keyboard doesn't have a wrist-rest, I automatically have zero interest.Samus - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
That's ridiculous. You can add a custom wrist pad to any keyboard, even mechanical ones (which require a thicker pad because of their additional height. Graffiti makes some really nice ones in different materials and surfaces, and you can even buy wood wrist rests made in Japan.https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Keyboards-MacBoo...
https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Slip-Material-Keyboard...
Srikzquest - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Hi Fylladitakis, Can you suggest a Ten key less (87) Wireless Keyboard (Ideally Mechanical). I tried searching but couldn't find any. There are full keyboards available but not TKL. I found few which say TKL wireless but they are basically HTPC keyboards (without independent Home/End/PgUp/PgDn keys). Thanks...rib3 - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Varmillo VB87M ?I dont have first hand experience, but it seems decent.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=p...
(available in other switch types)
It's often on massdrop (drop active for 8 more days)
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-vb87m-bluetoo...
Srikzquest - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
Awesome, Thanks a lot, this is exactly what I am looking for. One more question, I don't play games and primarily looking for Development work (and ideally should be silent so not to disturb others). So, Cherry Mx Brown would be ideal right or do you think other switches serve me better?rib3 - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
It's hard to say, everyone ends up having different tastes.Browns are the classic non-clicky mech switch, but Cherry Clears are getting pretty popular. They take a little more force and some people prefer the feel because of that. (Gateron has clears also, but they are more like Cherry Red.)
Non clicky keys are still quite loud compared to rubber dome and scissor switch keyboards. The key mechanism still makes noise and sound resonating through the (usually) steel plate can still bother people. Especially if the keys are pushed all the way down and bottom out. Rubber o-rings can help w/ noise from bottoming out.
Geekhack, deskthority and the mechanical keyboard subreddit are good sources if you want to do more research.
Srikzquest - Wednesday, August 24, 2016 - link
Thank you. I will get some Rubber o-rings, I also heard about them in reducing the noise.Michael Bay - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
It`s all fine and dandy, but why the Hairy Potter font?SteelRing - Monday, August 22, 2016 - link
I'm typing on Das Keyboard Ultimate ten-keyless, but I'd also wholeheartedly recommend CM QuickFire Rapid and Rosewill's mechanical lines for those on the budget.AcidSnow - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - link
I'm still waiting on a mechanical keybaord that has a builtin wrist-rest! Where's the love for couch players? ...I swear, I've been researching for 2 weeks, looked at ALL the modern mechanical keyboards, and NOTHING!!!Give me a builtin wrist-rest, and that is also a low profile, with quiet keys, and I'll buy infinity of them!
Mr Perfect - Wednesday, August 24, 2016 - link
You're best bet would probably be to get something like Corsair's lapdog or some other couch-ready keyboard accessory. Couch-ready mechanical keyboards are such a niche market, that it seems to be limited to bolt-on keyboard accessories.AcidSnow - Thursday, August 25, 2016 - link
Why isn't there a Brown Switch? Who really wants all the "clicky" noise?